Lead, Enterprise Strategy and Operations

About the role

Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is hiring a Lead, Enterprise Strategy and Operations professional in San Diego. The role covers capital allocation and business case rigor, translating strategy into execution plans, and leading M&A integration from diligence through day-to-day operations.

Key responsibilities

• Build financial models and analytic frameworks for investment decisions such as new platforms, manufacturing and international expansion, and assess TAM, margin structure, capital intensity, payback and risk-adjusted returns.
• Help develop enterprise-wide capital allocation frameworks and governance processes.
• Turn strategic priorities into cross-functional execution plans with KPIs and milestones, and lead planning and execution of integration for acquisitions, strategic investments and other inorganic growth.
• Track progress through monthly and quarterly performance reviews, identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions.
• Lead cross-functional M&A integration from diligence and pre-close planning through Day 1, Day 100 and business-as-usual transition, including workplans, governance, milestones, decision forums and executive reporting.
• Coordinate functional leaders to resolve issues and maintain business, customer and mission continuity, and partner with Finance and business leaders on synergy, capability and operational-value targets.
• Build repeatable integration playbooks, tools and lessons learned.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3 years with a master's degree.
• Minimum 2 years in strategy consulting, corporate strategy or another high-rigor role.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional transformations in fast-paced, technology-driven environments.
• Ability to structure ambiguous problems and drive insight through analysis.
• Experience or strong interest in complex, technical or regulated industries (aerospace, defense, AI or advanced manufacturing preferred).
• Collaborative approach and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship required (ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance).

Required skills

• Financial modeling and analytical capability, including unit economics, forecasting and scenario analysis.
• Strong analytical and conceptual problem-solving abilities.